City of Sydney delivers new policy on busking for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The City of Sydney’s new policy for Busking and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Practice sees Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people no longer requiring a busking permit to practice their cultures in public spaces managed by the City of Sydney.

The City’s new policy has been approved by the Office of Local Government with the move being part of the City’s recognition that the practice of culture is vital to maintaining cultural identity and connection to place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Edie Coe, the City’s first Manager of Indigenous Leadership and Engagement noted "as custodians of the world’s longest continuing cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s continuation of cultural practice is nurtured, expressed and shared through art, dance, song and storytelling.

“The practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, outdoors and in public spaces, is the practice of our inherent cultural rights as articulated in Article 11 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City values and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practice as a way of sharing and celebrating cultural knowledge with the wider community and visitors to Sydney, advising “the practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures is testament to the resilience, fortitude and continuation of these living cultures.

“The intrinsic right to practice cultures is vital to maintaining wellbeing, personal identity and connection to culture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as sharing cultural knowledge.

“The City’s new policy recognises that the practice of cultural heritage is not a busking activity - this means Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can practice their cultures without requiring an approval from the City, as long as safety requirements are met.”

The new policy outlines safety considerations and space management measures for cultural practitioners, as well as the protocols for practicing culture in public spaces.  

The City’s customer service centre will also offer free public liability insurance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people practicing culture in the local government area.

Click here for more details on the City’s new policy for Busking and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Practice.